Electronic Surveillance

Electronic surveillance, given its low-cost/high efficiency and broad-ranging nature, is potentially the most insidious form of surveillance available. 'Lawful Access', a deceptively innocuous term given to the government's attempts to expand its power to spy on Internet activity by removing traditional safegaurds on its ability to use electronic surveillance. It does so by providing new ways by which law enforcemet and other state agents can lawfully access and intercept online activity and information. CIPPIC is working with other groups and individuals concerned about increasing government surveillance to assess and respond to the Canadian government's "lawful access" proposals. CIPPIC is concerned that attempts to update 'lawful access' capabilities are far from targeted and will have serious detrimental impact on Canadians' civil liberties.